Ghana Boxing Authority Facilitates Repatriation of Late Nigerian Boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju’s Body

The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the body of the late Nigerian boxing champion, Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, back to Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the GBA Communication Directorate announced that the boxer’s remains were airlifted from Accra and were en route to Lagos, with a scheduled stopover in Lomé. This marks the conclusion of several months of efforts following Olanrewaju’s tragic death in the Ghanaian capital earlier this year.

The GBA extended heartfelt thanks to the Ghanaian public, media, and boxing community for their unwavering support during this difficult period. The Authority also promised to keep the public updated on the body’s arrival in Nigeria and the subsequent funeral arrangements.

Gabriel Olanrewaju, a former Nigerian national champion, passed away on March 29, 2025, after a professional fight at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. His death shocked the boxing world and prompted the establishment of a special committee to investigate the circumstances.

The GBA secured all necessary approvals for repatriation, including critical health ministry reports. GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye played a key role in managing logistics and settling associated costs, including a $1,000 cargo flight fee and GH¢5,000 in customs charges.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), alongside the boxer’s family, requested that the repatriation take place on June 17 to allow proper funeral preparations.

To ensure compliance with diplomatic protocols, the GBA submitted all documentation to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A committee led by Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio investigated the incident. The panel included former GBA President Peter Zwennes, sports journalist Ekow Asmah, legal experts Samuel Bartels and Juliana Addo-Yobo, referee Eddie Pappoe, and sports medicine expert Dr. Martin Engmann. Their report was presented to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the committee’s recommendations. He described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the need for reform, emphasizing that the findings provide transparency and lessons for all sports federations. “Life is precious, and this incident serves as a wake-up call,” he stated.

Major Amarteifio highlighted the challenges facing Ghanaian boxing and called for urgent reforms to protect athletes. He noted the report offers a critical opportunity to address ongoing issues within the sport.